Country Day’s volleyball life began without Katherine Broussard this season.

Turns out one of the players who idolized the four-year starter the most became the team’s biggest leaders.

Freshman setter Jenna Ibieta helped her team win its fifth straight Division V state title in 2013. Ibieta won tournament MVP honors with 37 assists in a four-set win over Episcopal of Acadiana.

“Everyone did their part,” said Ibieta, the NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune Small Schools Player of the Year. “Everybody did a good job adjusting without Katherine.”

Ibieta became a more vocal leader this season. She also developed a unique bond with middle blockers Tai Bierria and Caroline Perlis, which only elevated the duo’s play.

“They’re great players,” Ibieta said. “It’s so fun out there. We’re focused on the game, but we do joke around sometimes.”

Ibieta played softball and basketball, but volleyball was always her favorite. Country Day Coach Julie Ibieta — and Jenna’s mom — played middle blocker at LSU. Jenna Ibieta’s 5-foot-9 now, but with a 6-foot-2 mother and 6-foot-3 father, she’s only getting taller.

“I liked hitting. I liked setting,” Ibieta said. “Setting is the best role for me. When I look at old film, I’m tiny and I’m thinking ‘What am I doing on the court?’ I got better at attacking this year. I had more control with the ball.”

Julie Ibieta gets a lot of good advice from the sideline.

“We leave it on the court,” Jenna Ibieta said. “Sometimes we get in little disagreements, but it works. My mom’s always telling me to step up and be a leader and be positive on the court.”

While Country Day and Newman didn’t play this season, the two teams had a lot in common. Newman won the Division IV title behind NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune Coach of the Year Colleen Loerzel.

The Greenies were battle tested with a tough schedule and their depth proved to be their biggest strength. Colorado transfer Katherine Bolyard complemented Jamie Hawkins, Avery Rowan and Kiley Ezzell.

“It was such a team effort,” Loerzel said. “The team chemistry was great. Every year is special.”

It was Loerzel’s fourth state title in her 12th season at Newman. She also won two state titles as a player at Sacred Heart. The 36-year-old played middle blocker at Sacred Heart and outside hitter at Purdue.

“I love working with kids. They keep you young,” Loerzel said. “The game is much better than I was in high school. It’s faster. The sport has really progressed in the state of Louisiana.”

Loerzel still considers Newman her “dream job.”

“Newman is the best place to be,” she said. “I love it. We had so much fun at state.”

So did Ibieta.

“State was one of my best games,” she said. “The crowd, the whole atmosphere. Everybody plays better during state.”